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05 July, 2008

Why babies cry

I am a mother of two teenage handsome boys. But recently I became aunt of a this little angel. The reasoning mind in me, which seeks an answer to everything, wanted to find out why babies cry and list them for my readers as well.

A certain amount of crying is normal in all infants, since it is their only means of verbal communication. Babies’ crying may indicate that they are hungry, lonely, warm, cold, uncomfortable or in need of a diaper change. Many babies go through periods of crying for no apparent reason, as they simply get used to the new world.

Following 5 S's to calm the crying baby.

Swaddling - Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support the fetus experienced while still in Mom's womb. It makes your baby look like a burrito.

Side/stomach position - You place your baby, while holding her, either on her left side to assist in digestion, or on her stomach to provide reassuring support. Once your baby is happily asleep, you can safely put her in her crib, on her back.

Shushing Sounds - These sounds imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood flowing through arteries near the womb.

Swinging - Newborns are used to the swinging motions that were present when they were still in Mom's womb. Every step mom took, every movement caused a swinging motion for your baby. After your baby is born, this calming motion, which was so comforting and familiar, is abrubtly taken away. Your baby misses the motion and has a difficult time getting used to it not being there. Rocking, car rides, and other swinging movements all can help.

Sucking - Sucking triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain." This "S" can be accomplished with breast, bottle, pacifier or even a finger.